Hakone, July 2021

 

The most classic picture at Hakone gardens.

Another plant filled post :)

This is revisiting Hakone gardens.  Last time we went it was January 2020.  See that post here  This time Bunny is in town so we are visiting some fun spots together.

Many things are blooming now, so almost all my pictures are different from the February visit.

It was a hot day, so the pond was refreshing.

I have no idea what tree this is, but love the weird leaves.

I love love love the bamboo stand.

The light varies so much in the different areas of the garden it feels like a whole new environment.

Cool seed pods

Three views out of this window.

Filoli, July 2021

 

Visit to Filoli with friends from up the peninsula and out of town.  We opted to stay outdoors, so the pictures are all plants.  They have opened an outdoor bar, just lovely.

The pool you can't swim in 😞

Eye-popping pink

Snapdragons that blend from yellow to pink

Classic single color snapdragons

It was really hot, so we hung out under a shady spot to chat.

The kitchen garden for vegetables and herbs

They have tons of roses, but it was the end of a bloom so most were a little tired.

but not all!

and many smelled wonderful.

Special indoor orchid

Artichokes in bloom make for interesting displays 

Always love my patterned bricks

Fuchsias!  These were my favorite flower as a kid

Halloween Pet Parade 2021

 One of the cutest things I've seen.  Our town has a Halloween pet parade!  It was 10 minutes of chas and delight.  It led with our mayor (in Willy Wonka costume) and a local whose dog has won multiple ugly dog contests.  Below are the highlights of about 100 pets.  

Pair of guinea pigs, dressed as shushi LOLOL

Bunny has its own ride.

A cat!!  We did not believe there would be anything but dogs, so were super happy to see all the non-dogs.

Cow 🐄

Rainbow 🌈

Snoopy on his doghouse

Jailbird

Sailor and maybe a dracula in the back?

Spiderdog

1 of 15 hot dogs-the most popular costume by far.  Bonus baby dragon

Garden dog ⚘

Money bags 💰💰

Bee, second most popular costume, no idea why!

More bees!  These looked hand crocheted

Ninja turtle leading...I have no idea what that is.  Love the taco in background and the garden gnome.

Light chaos was pretty much a constant

R2D2 in the front and a dog wagon 😄  

Bonus bees